WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1540/97 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Commission. Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen (SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER)
Date: 1997-05-05
Institutions: BREYER, European Parliament
Subjects: European Medicines Agency, chemical product, dangerous substance, domestic animal, health control, marketing, pesticide, veterinary drug

C 102/4

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

3. 4. 98

weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon
20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphate
ester poisoning. As it was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (1) on the same subject, I would ask the
Commission to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:

When were these agents authorized for use on small animals, especially cats? By whom? Had adequate tests been
carried out? Were the tests reviewed and by whom?

(1)  OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.

(98/C 102/05)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1540/97

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission

(5 May 1997)

Subject: Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen

The  flea-repellant  Tiguvon  (Fenthion)  manufactured  by  Bayer  Leverkusen  can  be  administered  in  different
forms. Tiguvon 10 is intended for cats over 2 kg in weight. The use of Tiguvon 20 is recommended for dogs
weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon
20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphate
ester poisoning. As it was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (1) on the same subject, I would ask the
Commission to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:

To  what  extent  have  Tiguvon(cid:146)s  interaction  with  other  cholinesterase  inhibitors  and  its  effect  on  humans  and
animals been investigated? Which agents are compatible? How are pet-owners warned of possible substances
having a potentiating effect on Fenthion and other phosphoric acid derivatives?

(1)  OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.

(98/C 102/06)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1544/97

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission

(5 May 1997)

Subject: Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen

The  flea-repellant  Tiguvon  (Fenthion)  manufactured  by  Bayer  Leverkusen  can  be  administered  in  different
forms. Tiguvon 10 is intended for cats over 2 kg in weight. The use of Tiguvon 20 is recommended for dogs
weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon
20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphate
ester poisoning. As it was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (1) on the same subject, I would ask the
Commission to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:

Which institution examines the mode of action of ethical and freely available antiparasitics, especially for their
harmlessness to humans and animals and their compatibility with the environment? Is the Commission aware
that manufacturers wishing to continue marketing products registered before 1978 were required to submit the
results  of  all  tests  by  the  end  of  1996?  Did  they  do  so?  Is  this  governed  by  EU  legislation?  Were  products
authorized after 1978 adequately tested?

(1)  OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.